Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Ashraf, Chauhan, Davenport, Duffy, G Eales, T Eales, Flavell, Fowler, Harrington-Carter, Hawes, Manners, Matten, McCord, Russell, Sharps, and Shephard.

Members are asked to declare any interest and the nature of that interest which they may have in any of the items under consideration at this meeting.

There were no declarations of interest by Members.

To confirm the Minutes of the meetings of the Council held on 21^st April and 24^th April 2022.

The minutes of Council held on 21^st February and 24^th February 2022 were agreed and signed by the Chairman.

To receive communications from the Chairman of the Council.

The Chairman reminded Members that her Charity Dinner would be taking place at the Park Inn Hotel in Northampton on Friday 13th May at 7:00pm. Ticket sales would support the Chairman’s chosen charity, Cynthia Spencer Hospice. Members were asked to approach the Assistant Chief Executive regarding tickets. The Chairman also announced that a comfort break would be taking place for 15 minutes at the conclusion of Item 7.

(1)  Receipt of Petitions (if any) from Local Government Electors for the District

(2)  Questions (if any) from the Public

(1)  There were no requests to submit petitions from Local Government Electors for the District.

(2)  The Chairman advised of 6 requests to address Council.

Robert Mellor, on behalf of Climate Action West Northamptonshire, addressed

Council in relation to Item 6 and stated that in terms of carbon emissions, households and road traffic were the worst offenders. He advised that air quality monitors had been installed in several towns which were beginning to show that from time to time, there were problems with poor air quality. Mr Mellor urged the Council to improve air quality monitoring in order to see the true extent of West Northamptonshire’s air quality issue.

John Crick addressed Council in relation to Item 6 and stated that personal vehicle use was a significant factor in terms of carbon generation, with 40% of urban car journeys less than 2 miles. More accessible infrastructure was needed to encourage people to switch to active travel and Mr Mellor further stated that the DfT (Department for Transport) were reducing general highways funding for local authorities that were not putting active travel at the heart of their transport strategies.

Anjona Roy addressed Council in relation to Item 11, Motion 1, and stated that many Fairtrade farmers were already facing the worst effects of climate change, whilst contributing the least to the climate crisis. Ms Roy stated that by becoming a Fairtrade Authority, West Northamptonshire Council would demonstrate the leadership that communities needed to promote fairness and entrepreneurial action.

Zachary Pilkington addressed Council in relation to Item 11, Motion 2, and expressed disappointment at the lack of services for young people in Northampton. He noted that there were several parks in the town, but one, for instance, had ping-pong tables but no equipment; he advised that not everyone could afford their own sports equipment and suggested that a central base, where young people could borrow equipment (through their school or youth association), would provide young people with safe activities that would keep them out of trouble.

Becky Whiting addressed Council in relation to Item 11, Motion 2, and stated that all young people in West Northamptonshire deserved a statutory protected, wide-ranging and universal youth service, with ringfenced funding from central and local government and delivered by local authorities, youth voluntary organisations and schools working in partnership. The provision of such a youth service would constitute value for money since it would lead to many young people not having to access higher tiered and more costly interventions later in life.

Jane Wood, on behalf of Climate Action West Northamptonshire, addressed Council in respect of Item 11, Motion 3, and stated that the Climate and ecological Emergency Bill would provide a mechanism for joined up actions across the UK to address climate change and ecological breakdown and provide local authorities with legislative framework for delivery of changes needed to improve human health and wellbeing and support nature recovery.

Priority Opposition Motion

Proposed by Cllr. Bob Purser

Seconded by Cllr. Keith Holland-Delamere

“This Council notes:

1.     In West Northamptonshire Council footprint air pollution needs to be reduced.

2.     In many parts of West Northamptonshire, especially near our busy roads and in the town centre, air pollutants exceed legal and safe limits.

3.     Air pollution impacts on the health of people in our towns and villages, especially the most vulnerable. It can cause permanent lung damage in babies and young children and exacerbates lung and heart disease in older people.

4.     Action will improve the quality of life and well-being of children and vulnerable adults and take pressure off services.

5.     Clean air around residential areas, schools, and hospitals will have an immediate beneficial impact for residents and go some way in helping us meet our Net Zero targets.

This Council resolves:

To immediately take all steps needed to reduce deaths and illness linked to polluted air, with desperately needed action to also enable us to meet out climate emergency commitments.

This should include, but not be limited to:

a)    Exploring and implementing clean air zones in all major urban areas, towns and villages;

b)    Cleaning up the bus fleet, working with the areas major bus providers;

c)     Supporting taxis to meet clean emission standards;

d)    Promoting and incentivising the use of electric vehicles and car clubs, and ensuring that Council vehicles are electric where possible;

e)    Create an Air Quality Action Plan; including consideration of becoming a signatory to the Oxford Clean Air Charter calling on the government for further action;

f)      Initiate an educational campaign to highlight to the general public the impact of air pollution on public health and the economy;

g)    Include a no- idling cars, education, and enforcement scheme;

h)    Identify a lead officer to ensure the resolution is implemented;

i)       Provide an annual report to full Council linked to the Climate Action Plan on progress.”

Councillor Purser proposed and Councillor Holland-Delamere seconded:

“This Council notes:

1.     In West Northamptonshire Council footprint air pollution needs to be reduced. 

2.     In many parts of West Northamptonshire, especially near our busy roads and in the town centre, air pollutants exceed legal and safe limits. 

3.     Air pollution impacts on the health of people in our towns and villages, especially the most vulnerable. It can cause permanent lung damage in babies and young children and exacerbates lung and heart disease in older people.

4.     Action will improve the quality of life and well-being of children and vulnerable adults and take pressure off services.

5.     Clean air around residential areas, schools, and hospitals will have an immediate beneficial impact for residents and go some way in helping us meet our Net Zero targets. 

This Council resolves: 

To immediately take all steps needed to reduce deaths and illness linked to polluted air, with desperately needed action to also enable us to meet out climate emergency commitments.

This should include, but not be limited to:

a.     Exploring and implementing clean air zones in all major urban areas, towns and villages;

b.     Cleaning up the bus fleet, working with the areas major bus providers; 

c.     Supporting taxis to meet clean emission standards; 

d.     Promoting and incentivising the use of electric vehicles and car clubs, and ensuring that Council vehicles are electric where possible;

e.     Create an Air Quality Action Plan; including consideration of becoming a signatory to the Oxford Clean Air Charter calling on the government for further action;

f.       Initiate an educational campaign to highlight to the general public the impact of air pollution on public health and the economy;

g.     Include a no- idling cars, education, and enforcement scheme;

h.     Identify a lead officer to ensure the resolution is implemented;

i.       Provide an annual report to full Council linked to the Climate Action Plan on progress.

Upon a vote, the motion fell.

Councillor Nunn presented his report as Leader of the Council and highlighted the salient points. In response to questions, it was explained that the Leader had not had contact with NTFC for a year prior to the decision being taken at Cabinet in March and none with Cildara for the entire negotiation process.

Councillor Brown presented his report as Deputy Leader and highlighted the salient points. In response to questions, Members heard that care leavers going into supported housing were looked at on a case-by-case basis and asked Members to contact him if they knew of any cases where care leavers were not given appropriate support. The Council had multiple housing providers across all areas of West Northamptonshire which were reviewed regularly to ensure their adequacy and appropriateness. Regarding the Cultural Compact, funding for the Chair had been awarded for an initial 12 months. The Council would have to apply for further funding moving forwards. With regard to archives, it was noted that a large portion of them had been moved to a specialist facility within North Northamptonshire, however the facility was designed to allow for greater accessibility to academics and other interested parties. A number of non-archaeological artefacts were still kept within West Northamptonshire. With regard to rough sleepers, it was explained that SWEP had been extended and enhanced and the Housing team were still working to the principle “everyone in”, following their work during the pandemic. Members were informed that works on the Social Housing Decarbonisation had begun, following government funding, however due to the nature of the works, there was no end date, but the Deputy Leader would contact NPH for an update.

Councillor Larratt presented his report as Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport, Highways and Waste and highlighted the salient points. In response to questions, Members were informed that a meeting between the new highways contractors and Members would be taking place in the near future where it was suggested that any specific issues that Members were dealing with could be raised. Regarding Active Travel, it was important that the schemes being developed fit in with what was already in place. It was disappointing that funding for Bus Back Better was unsuccessful; feedback had been requested from DfT and would be shared with Members. An Active Travel Strategy for West Northamptonshire was being worked on, as well as local strategies for active travel – work was well underway regarding an active travel link between Brackley and Silverstone. It was stated that 61,224 residents had subscribed to the Council’s garden waste collection service up to 11th April and the number was continuing to rise. Councillor Larratt confirmed that he was not aware of Veolia operating within Russia and stated that he would look to see what could be done in respect of this. Councillor Larratt also confirmed that the Council’s 3 climate strategies would go to Cabinet in due course. With regard to fly-tipping in Northampton town centre, contractors would be asked to ensure that they were  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.

Councillor Lister presented a report to Council to report on the work of SACRE. Local Authorities have a duty to establish a permanent body known as the Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (“SACRE”) in accordance with the Education Act 1996. The broad role of the SACRE is to support the effective provision of Religious Education (RE) and collective worship in schools and to enrich the experience of RE and collective worship for all pupils.

Councillor Baker seconded the report.

RESOLVED:

Council received and noted the SACRE annual report.

Councillor Hallam presented a report which sought approval for a proposed remuneration package in excess of £100,000 following recruitment in March 2022 to a Non-Statutory Chief Officer role.

Councillor Patel seconded the report.

RESOLVED:

Council approved the proposed remuneration.

Councillor Golby presented a report to Council which outlined Board and statutory partner achievements during the year.

Councillor Cooper seconded the report.

Members made comments as follows:

·       Concern was raised over rising energy bills and it was questioned what the Council could do to help vulnerable residents.

·       The Board is experienced and open when wrong which is commendable.

·       Voluntary carers’ mental wellbeing should not be overlooked.

·       Historically, some issues had “fallen through the gaps” and the learning that had taken place so far was in relation to these types of issues.

RESOLVED:

Council received the Annual Report of Northamptonshire Safeguarding Adults Board 2020 – 2021 and noted the findings.

To debate any motions which have been submitted with advance notice, in accordance with the Council’s Procedure Rules.

Motion 1 (Labour)

Proposed by Cllr. Emma Roberts

Seconded by Cllr. Winston Strachan

“This Council welcomes the work of the Fair Trade Foundation to encourage the use of fair trade goods, and notes that the Council, as an important consumer and opinion leader, should research, develop and support a strategy to facilitate fair trade where appropriate as part of its commitment to work in pursuit of a sustainable West Northamptonshire.

It, therefore, resolves:-

1.     to promote awareness of fair trade issues and the opportunities for supporting fair trade in the area;

2.     to make publicity and educational information available to local people concerning the worldwide impact of unfair trade and the opportunities that fair trade provides for sustainable development;

3.     to make the Council’s employees, the public and local businesses aware of the Council’s resolution on fair trade;

4.     to encourage the use of fair trade goods, for example, products carrying Fair Trade mark and products in vending machines/shops within council buildings;

5.     to request the Council’s venues to stock fair trade products in addition to other brands;

6.     to integrate fair trade considerations into the Council’s Environment Plan in support of the Council’s corporate objective to improve the environment;

7.     For West Northamptonshire Communities to seek to become Fair Trade Communities by applying for Fair Trade Status;

8.     to nominate an officer to work on implementing the resolution; and

9.     to report annually on progress made with implementing this resolution.”

Motion 2 (Labour)

Proposed by Cllr. Zoe Smith

Seconded by Cllr. Wendy Randall

“Our young people have been badly impacted by a historic lack of youth service provision, the increasing erosion of community, the activity of county lines, the disruption to schooling caused by the pandemic, and the increase in family poverty.

WNC is committed to working with our youth and listening to the youth voice.

We need to engage with young people across all three WNC districts and work with them to develop a strategy for youth.”

Motion 3 (Liberal Democrat)

Proposed:  Cllr Rosie Humphreys

Seconded:  Cllr Jonathan Harris

Humans have already caused irreversible climate change, the impacts of which are being felt in the UK and around the world. The global temperature has already increased by 1.2°C above pre-industrial levels and the natural world has reached crisis point, with 28% of plants and animals currently threatened with extinction.

Unless we drastically change course, the world is set to exceed the Paris Agreement’s safe 1.5°C limit. Pledges such as the Paris Agreement and updated emissions targets are not legally-binding. The gap between pledges and policy leaves the world on course for catastrophic warming of near 3%.

As the 2018 report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) makes clear, every half a degree makes a world of difference:  severe climate impacts with 1.5°C of warming—such as extreme weather patterns causing flooding and heat waves—get significantly worse at 2°C. According  ...  view the full agenda text for item 22.

Motion 1

Councillor Roberts proposed and Councillor Strachan seconded:

“This Council welcomes the work of the Fair-Trade Foundation to encourage the use of Fair Trade goods, and notes that the Council, as an important consumer and opinion leader, should research, develop and support a strategy to facilitate fair trade where appropriate as part of its commitment to work in pursuit of a sustainable West Northamptonshire.  

It, therefore, resolves:- 

1.     to promote awareness of fair trade issues and the opportunities for supporting fair trade in the area; 

2.     to make publicity and educational information available to local people concerning the worldwide impact of unfair trade and the opportunities that fair trade provides for sustainable development; 

3.     to make the Council’s employees, the public and local businesses aware of the Council’s resolution on fair trade; 

4.     to encourage the use of fair trade goods, for example, products carrying Fair Trade mark and products in vending machines/shops within council buildings; 

5.     to request the Council’s venues to stock fair trade products in addition to other brands; 

6.     to integrate fair trade considerations into the Council’s Environment Plan in support of the Council’s corporate objective to improve the environment; 

7.     For West Northamptonshire Communities to seek to become Fair Trade Communities by applying for Fair Trade Status;

8.     to nominate an officer to work on implementing the resolution; and

9.     to report annually on progress made with implementing this resolution.”

Upon a vote, the motion fell.

Motion 2

An amendment to the motion was accepted by Councillor Z Smith.

Amended motion to read:

“We want the Council to support the work that we are undertaking currently, as well as, working through the process of setting up two more youth forums, one in South Northants and one in Daventry.? These will add to the youth forum in Northampton.? These three Forums will elect members to a Youth Parliament to attend West Northants Council meetings and feed into our work.? ?We have also started working on expanding youth activities across the District. ?

Previously, our young people had been badly impacted by a historic lack of youth service provision, the activity of county lines, the disruption to schooling caused by the pandemic.

WNC is committed to working with our youth and listening to the youth voice.

We will continue to engage with young people across all West Northants Council areas, and work with them to develop a strategy for youth."

Upon a vote, the amended motion was carried.

Motion 3

Councillor Humphreys accepted an amendment to the motion.

Amended motion to read:

“Humans have already caused irreversible climate change, the impacts of which are being felt in the UK and around the world. The global temperature has already increased by 1.2°C above pre-industrial levels and the natural world has reached crisis point, with 28% of plants and animals currently threatened with extinction. ?

Unless we drastically change course, the world is set to exceed the Paris Agreement’s safe 1.5°C limit. Pledges such as the Paris Agreement and updated  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.

The Chairman to advise whether they have agreed to any items of urgent business being admitted to the agenda.

There was no urgent business on this occasion.